Hungary vs Turkey Friendly Thriller: Predictions and Lineups
As the road to Euro 2024 continues, two of the tournament’s qualified nations - Hungary and Turkey - will lock horns in an intriguing international friendly at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Friday. The match promises an enthralling battle between two in-form teams eager to test their mettle ahead of next summer’s continental showpiece.
Both sides cruised through their respective Euro 2024 qualifying groups, with Hungary topping Group G ahead of Serbia, while Turkey finished at the summit of their group, pipping Croatia to the punch. The two nations will now use this friendly encounter as a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads and tactics before the main event.
Hungary’s Remarkable Resurgence
Under the astute guidance of Italian manager Marco Rossi, Hungary have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years. Once a force to be reckoned with in European football, the Hungarians had endured a barren spell, failing to qualify for any major tournament between 1976 and 2012. However, those dark days are now firmly in the rearview mirror.
Hungary’s unbeaten run in Euro 2024 qualifying, which saw them accumulate 18 points from eight games while scoring 16 goals, underscored their resurgence on the international stage. Memorable victories over heavyweights England and Germany during this period further cemented their credentials as a team to watch out for at next year’s Euros.
Rossi’s side boasts a well-rounded squad brimming with talent, including Liverpool’s midfield maestro Dominik Szoboszlai, who has already bagged 10 goals in 38 appearances for his country. In attack, the likes of Martin Adam, Barnabas Varga, Daniel Gazdag, and the ever-reliable Roland Sallai provide a potent goal-scoring threat.
Turkey’s Turnaround Under Montella
Much like their opponents, Turkey’s journey to Euro 2024 was equally impressive, as they sealed qualification with a game to spare after amassing 17 points in Group D. Their progress has been overseen by Vincenzo Montella, who has breathed new life into the Crescent-Stars since taking over last year.
A memorable 3-2 friendly victory over Germany in November 2023 served as a statement of intent from Montella’s men, highlighting their ability to compete with the best in the business. With a well-balanced squad at his disposal, the Italian tactician will be keen to build on that momentum in Budapest.
The experienced Hakan Calhanoglu, who has earned 82 caps for Turkey, is expected to pull the strings in midfield, while the striking duo of Baris Alper Yilmaz and Enes Unal will be tasked with leading the line. Teenage sensation Arda Guler, who has already made his mark at Real Madrid, could also feature, adding an extra dimension to Turkey’s attack.
Predictions and Potential Lineups
Given the quality and form of both sides, Friday’s friendly promises to be a closely contested affair. Hungary’s impressive home record, coupled with Turkey’s formidable away form, sets the stage for an enthralling encounter.
Rossi is likely to field a strong starting XI, with Peter Gulacsi potentially returning in goal after recovering from a lengthy injury layoff. The back four could consist of Attila Szalai marshaling the defense alongside the experienced Willi Orban, with Adam Nagy anchoring the midfield alongside Szoboszlai. Upfront, Sallai and Adam are expected to lead the line.
For Turkey, Montella may opt for the experienced Mert Gunok between the sticks, shielded by a back four comprising Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, and Ridvan Yilmaz. Calhanoglu and Salih Ozcan could form the midfield double pivot, with Arda Guler potentially slotting in behind the striking duo of Yilmaz and Unal.
With both teams boasting attacking prowess and defensive solidity, a high-scoring draw could be on the cards in Budapest. A 2-2 stalemate would not be an unexpected outcome, setting the stage for an enthralling Euro 2024 when these two nations grace the continental stage once again.